Okay, I need help ASAP. I sold my H2 to a friend who has been bugging me for years to buy it from me. It has been a great vehicle and will miss it. I need to find a new vehicle but it is used for transportation to/from work and sometimes when going to potential customers homes (builders, homeowners, the city, schools, etc) for bids, etc.

I can not look to flashy. I have had comments with even my Hummer with potential customers saying akward remarks like - oh you must charge too much for your turf if you can afford to drive that...etc.

I have to go with American made since we push only "made in America" products. The G55 and Rover would be great but my clientele, even my multi-millionaire clients will probably frown upon that.

I am not a pick-up truck person. I need a four door SUV.

I went to the Cadillac dealer today and was going to look at the Escalade Luxury model when I saw the Platinum and fell in love.

Yes, the GMC is a little less profile - agreed. I just can not do it when I can spend $10k more and have the Escalade. This is where I battle my practical side atating the Denali is the smart thing to do and not flashy...only problem is that side has never won.

The 2500 HD is sick as well but just no reason for me to have another pick up when I have them at my fingertips if I need one - our work trucks for the crews.

The Cayenne would be the perfect vehicle in my eyes with performance in my and not full size but just like Rover or Mercedes it is a no go.

So now the question may be regular Luxury Escalade or go Platinum for $18,665 more?

I think the Escalade would be more flashy than a Range Rover OR G-wagon. Way too gaudy IMO and not enough luxury to really justify the premium. Tahoe/Suburban on the other hand screams "business only." That's the way I would go.

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“There are only three sports: bullfighting, motor racing, and mountaineering; all the rest are merely games.” - Hemingway

I think the Escalade would be more flashy than a Range Rover OR G-wagon. Way too gaudy IMO and not enough luxury to really justify the premium. Tahoe/Suburban on the other hand screams "business only." That's the way I would go.

This.Do a Tahoe with a blower/cam/headers or some other sleeper mods that will keep you interested in the vehicle, but not put off your clients.

Thank you so much for the feedback. The H1 Alpha is definitely not an option after putting miles on an H2 with 10mpg. Also, the nice Alpha's are going for $100k and I can see that as a fun truck for a third or fourth car but not a work truck...too much of a pita to park, etc.

The Tahoe/Yukon may be a smart option. Denali?

Chapstick - yes, if I buy the Escalade only emblem on the truck will be the grille and wheels....all side marker Escalade and rear Caddie logo is off the truck.

This.Do a Tahoe with a blower/cam/headers or some other sleeper mods that will keep you interested in the vehicle, but not put off your clients.

Killer sound system for when clients aren't in the car. No rims, nothing loud like exhaust. Just tint and keep it basic. This is true especially if doing government contracts. But then again, I don't know your clients. You could buy a Chevy and pickup a bunch of "Ford people." You have to gauge your clients. I don't necessarily understand the whole "doing American" thing - it's called comparative advantage... Some people do some things well, others not so much. If you want a great car - German. Great labor? Look to recent immigrants - haven't seen a stronger work ethic in any people than those who HAVE to work. Building materials? Whatever is local - shipping costs add to the overall "cost" of the building. Not to delve too far into your own work, but just some constructive advice.

QUOTE (MODO @ Dec 14 2011, 01:33 PM)

I had an Escalade, total piece of shit. Trans blew, rear diff blew and eventually the engine blew. I would buy a RR and make is as low key as possible.

I don't find the Escalade's very nice, either. There's more rear legroom in my Golf - even with the seats moved all the way forward/back. For daily beater and "company car for 'mericans" you can't beat a Tahoe.

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“There are only three sports: bullfighting, motor racing, and mountaineering; all the rest are merely games.” - Hemingway

I looked at the platinum as well and to me its much nicer but it also takes an initial huge hit. They sticker close to 80k. The differences are the wheels, the heated cooled cup holders, the led headlights the cocoa interior with 3 tv's and the dash trim. You can get the hybrid platinum as well but only in the shorter wheelbase. The one thing that I couldn't really get an answer on was when the body change will happen. The current one came out in 2007 so it won't be long and that 80k will be 40 real quick if that happens. Get a 10k mile 2010 for low 60's and you won't suffer that huge hit.